BLACKOUT PROOFING: BOON OR BANE?

It is nearly time that Australian men and women be given assurance that the affordable on-grid energy storage system is on its way into making place in the market. They have seen some dark days for years now, both, literally and figuratively, and without an effective solution in place, so it is time that Australian homes be ushered into a new age where energy storage systems like the Teesta Powerwall be made available to them at low cost. But that comes with certain considerations.

While there is much talk about a low-cost energy saving system, the question lies in making a choice. Would you prefer to install the cheaper anti-islander inverter and experience occasional power outages? Or would you choose the more sophisticated islanding inverter which extracts power from your battery and works even while the grid is turned down but takes away that mini-vacation you had planned to Byron Bay with your family(Yes, it is certainly that expensive)?

So it is much like choosing between two mobile phone handsets-one gives you all features you desire but commands a greater price, and the other compromises on a few features but remains well within your budget. Only in this case Australia may improve her ties with another economic giant by consuming what is ‘Made in China’!

ANTI-ISLANDING SAILS MIDWAY IN THE SEA

The problem with a grid-connected rooftop solar system is that electricity cannot be retrieved from the solar panels when the grid goes down (and that is to prevent the mishap cum dance performance that follows in case a lineman comes in contact with what seemed like a dead cable). Perhaps, this seems to explain the saying that goes about how each situation can be seen both, in positive and negative light. But the reality is that these anti-islanding inverters are easy to procure, cost-friendly and ensure safety of linemen while they work to the best of their abilities to restore light during a power cut in your homes.

BLACKOUT-PROOFING BECOMES UNAFFORDABLE

For all those households that are looking for an alternative to blackouts, a potential solution is the islanding inverter a.k.a the off-grid inverter. Now, the motto of installing such a system is to completely do away with a power failure. In some cases, a generator is also connected with the system; even though you may question that the entire purpose of installing such a system stands defeated if a generator were connected to an inverter. But the cause of worry of this system would be its cost. Add to that, batteries need to be fully charged all throughout the day to survive the nights, which means enough solar power must be available on rooftops.

Can there be a third choice?

What’s worse is that even if a possible middle ground were to be struck, it would still be very expensive. For example, a model I came across required plug points of all appliances to be plugged into an inverter which would behave like a generator and seemed a healthy alternative if only it cost half (if not less) as much as an islanding inverter! Even though it is expected that the price of an islanding inverter would be more competitive in the future so as to enable Tesla to sell more, today’s reality speaks differently.

EXPERT’S SPEAK

Statistics conservatively suggest that Australia has seen power outages almost only once in three years so far, which speaks volume of how well grid-electricity works in the country. This also indirectly means that millions of dollars need not be spent on acquiring the islanding inverter. For now we can very well do with its cheaper counterpart or a generator. And in case you would prefer saving even those dollars for an expensive a-la-carte at one of the flamboyant restaurants in the suburbs, your priorities are already set!

Our Testimonials

Highly recomend to anyone looking at having solar installed. Whole system was installed within a week and is of very high quality, both product and install. The guys even went as far as cleaning the leaves from my old system and raking them into a neat pile on the front lawn. Clear and responsive communication with Scott before and after install and was given honest suggestions on what system would best suit my household needs. Would not hesitate in using their services again.

We would have no hesitation in recommending these guys. We live on Russell Island and got stuffed around by one of the well advertised cheap companies. After 2 months of waiting we cancelled our contract with them and rang Scott. He was upfront from the start. 2 weeks later our solar was installed for the fantastic price quoted for a 6kw system, no extra costs involved, and it was up and running a week later. The installation guys were very professional and did a great job. Thanks Scott, We could not be happier.

Had a 5kw system recently installed, great service and great price. No hard core sales staff hassling me just genuine local contractor with down to earth genuine knowledge. Looking forward to reaping the benefits.

Massive thanks to Alan Kemp!
Have been trying to get info from our installers (another story) for months.. to no avail...
At my wits end i contacted a stranger who happened to be Alan, and he had it solved in a matter of seconds!
Nothing beats quality, straight up customer service! Would have to recommend on that alone!
Systems are only ever as good as the people behind them!!
Thanks Alan!! 👌

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Queensland Solar and Lighting

Queensland Solar and Lighting is installing solar power Brisbane at the cheapest prices the Gold Coast, has seen. We only use quality solar panels and inverters.

All our products are of the highest Australian Standard. We install solar systems to Residential and Commercial clients all over NSW and Central Queensland, Installing from Cairns to Narooma Solar power. We have solar customers in Victoria, Canberra and Sydney also. Wherever there is a naked roof in Australia without a solar panel on it, we will happily come and install at the cheapest possible price. However we can, and have, installed all over the East Coast of Australia!